THERE'S not many sports that have survived week after week of howling rain, brutal winds and flooded pitches, but one which not only survives but positively flourishes in the bad weather is squash.

And the good news for Abergavenny, is that the town's squash club which operates out of the leisure centre, is going from strength to strength. In fact, its continued success and popularity is currently bucking the trend in terms of where the sport stands overall on a national scale.

"Since the early 1970s there's always been a thriving and very impressive squash scene in Abergavenny, especially when you consider the size of the area." Explained Peter Sturgess, who is the current treasurer and occasional player at the club, which last year added a 'C' team to the well established 'A' and 'B' outfits.

Pete revealed, "I think we're all more than pleasantly surprised about just how well the 'C' team has done since its formation. In fact, alongside the 'B' team, the 'C' team bagged promotion in the first half of the season. Such has been their success we're seriously considering entering a 'D' team into competitive play so old timers like myself can get a game."

Formed in the early 1970s by Dai Hill, the Abergavenny squash club has become an integral part of the town's sporting fabric. It is currently enjoying something of a resurgence, but in its 1990s heyday it was renowned for churning out professional players who went to play on the world stage and who have now returned to the club in the shape of Jethro Binns and Lewys Hurst.

Pete told the Chronicle, "As a relative newcomer to the club, what I found truly unique is that fact that such a small organistion has produced the likes of BInns and Hurst. I mean those guys started playing here at a very young age and it's a testament to the club's youth system that they went on to become such talented pros and travelled the world playing squash."

Hoping to produce many more squash professionals of the future, Abergavenny squash club in partnership with the town's leisure centre have started to run coaching lessons for children aged 4-16 every Friday evening, with the opportunity to play in competitive matches on Saturday mornings.

Pete explained, "Obviously it's all very well having three successful teams playing every week at the moment, but when you consider the average age of the full members playing at the club is in the mid-thirties we need to think of what lies ahead and get as many youngsters as possible involved in the sport, if we're to have any kind of future and go on producing the sort of talent that can deliver the goods on the world stage."

The squash juniors coaching sessions take place at Abergavenny Leisure Centre every Friday evening and Saturday morning and it presents the ideal opportunity for youngsters to learn the basics, develop their skills and enjoy the fun of competitive squash.

Pete told the Chronicle, "Squash is not only a great way to stay active and keep fit, it's also brilliant for improving hand and eye coordination and perfect for youngsters who perhaps are not so interested in team sports, and above all else fixtures are never cancelled by the rain!

"We're a very sociable club who can accommodate all ages and abilities, and we have some great backing from our sponsors Robert Price Builders, PM Consultants, Smiles Better, and The Angel Hotel. So if anyone out there is interested please do get in touch by calling me directly on 07976 710489 or Abergavenny Leisure Centre on 01873 735360 for further details."

 

Pictured are some of the Abergavenny Squash Club players. From Left to right are Peter Steed, Simon Cave, Tim Woodier (third team captain), Peter sturgess (treasurer), Chris Hill (first team captain), and Jiwan Gahunia.